Latecomers might have thought the Purcell Room was experiencing technical difficulties. The punctual, however, knew the lights were out for Pitch Black. This project, unveiled at Brecon, featured Phronesis playing in total darkness. Officially the show simulates the experience of bassist Høiby’s blind sister but it also indulges the trio’s penchant for challenges.

Illuminated for the first half, the visual contact underwriting the band’s coherent blend of fiendishly complex rhythms and guiltily melodic piano lines was evident. As the lights faded for the second half, however, they offered a revealing final glimpse of the trio exchanging looks of unfeigned trepidation. Stripped of visual cues their risky improvisational music now relied solely on what Høiby calls the band’s “magical” connection. Avoiding advance planning the trio admitted to few darkened practice-sessions. Occasionally, as when Green Delay opened off-pitch and took a few bars to right itself, this meant that darkness threatened their complex music with breakdown. But, as pianist Neame suggested, rehearsing-away every mistake would have devalued the attempt to empathise with Høiby’s sister and, more importantly, diminished the challenge posed by the show.

The evening proved as challenging for spectators as performers. Ripples of tension swimming through the audience alongside the band’s writhing polyrhythms were so palpable that a concerned Høiby repeatedly enquired after their wellbeing. Mobile phones, flickering in the darkness to betray overwhelmed audience members departing early, were repeatedly targeted by Høiby’s wit but even these jokes sought to put the audience at ease in the darkness.

Pitch Black represents a logical step for a band whose progress requires challenges. Their music having shaken up the jazz scene they now unsettle the very environment in which it is experienced: darkness simultaneously stretches even experienced musicians and listeners. On tonight’s showing the future bodes challenging for Phronesis, fans and band alike, but we are at least all in it together.

– Matt Ellis